Why it’s important to travel alone

By Serena Carsley Mann - April 5, 2017

Traveling with friends, family or a romantic partner is completely wonderful and incomparable. There really is nothing like sharing new experiences with loved ones. However, sometimes traveling solo can provide you with an experience that will change your live forever, and teach you valuable life skills that you could not have otherwise gained.

For one, it can be very hard to coordinate a trip, especially when you’re doing it with another person as well. Both of you probably have to figure out time off from work, which can de dealt with by planning in advance, but if you have the time now and want to get away, don’t let anyone get in the way of living your dream. Traveling alone really allows you to figure out the simple logistics of your trip exactly as you wish, without having to compromise on anything.

Traveling solo is also the ideal way to check things off of your bucket list. It can be pretty hard to find someone who wants exactly the same things as you, which is completely ok that your friends and family will have different interests and life aspirations than you. But why not go for it if you have the chance to do it alone? Sometimes, we need to be selfish in life and take the opportunity to indulge in the things we have always wanted to do. And why spend your money on a trip to do things you don’t really want to do?

It will also show you what great company you are to yourself. Many people struggle to spend enough time alone, and you will probably be shocked at how fun it really is. It is important to be whole with oneself and listen to your thoughts and desires. Solo travel can be completely introspective. Just picture yourself laying out a quiet beach watching the sunset in solitary.

And no one said that traveling alone meant you will be actually alone at all times. Traveling alone is an ideal way to meet new friends and connect with locals. People who are alone often seem more approachable. You might end up meeting very like-minded people to yourself who share your unique passions. The secret to traveling alone is having an open mind, while always making sure not to be naive to dangers.

It is also known that traveling makes you a smarter, more knowledgeable person. So just imagine what traveling alone can do for you in terms of self-growth. It is a valuable skill to learn to feel comfortable sitting alone at a restaurant table. Doing these things that you never thought you would be able to will provide you with a deep sense of empowerment, and will help you take on other challenges in life.

And If you’re afraid to leave your partner, keep in mind that absence does, in fact, make the heart grow fonder. This does not mean that you should spend every holiday away from your partner, but it does mean that it is completely acceptable to take some alone time and pursue your own interests. Coming home to your partner after a trip can make you both see how much you really do love and appreciate each other. And if you’re single, who knows, maybe you will find the love of your life on your solo travels.